The UK’s first blood test for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) will provide practices with a “significant opportunity” to improve the prognosis for many of the male dog population that suffer from the condition but go undetected, claims Virbac.

The UK’s first blood test for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) will provide practices with a “significant opportunity” to improve the prognosis for many of the male dog population that suffer from the condition but go undetected, claims manufacturer Virbac.

Odelis CPSE is the first ELISA test to screen, diagnose and monitor BPH, and product manager Chris Geddes believes that the test is an important step forward in the diagnosis of the condition.

He said: “Not only does Odelis CPSE provide a simple and reliable alternative to rectal palpation, it will also give an objective measure of the degree of BPH present.”

According to Chris, although BPH affects more than 80% of entire male dogs over five years old, many go undiagnosed until the condition is advanced and symptoms become apparent.

He said: “While regular screening is recommended in elderly dogs, rectal palpation is not a particularly popular process to carry out routinely without the presence of symptoms.

“We know that current diagnosis of BPH falls well below the incidence, however this new test means that practitioners can now routinely monitor ‘at-risk’ dogs (e.g. stud males, elderly dogs, and those with a previous history of BPH). Bloods can be taken at practice visits, or routinely at vaccination boosters or annual health checks, for example. So the test is not only good for animal welfare, it’s a great business opportunity too.”

There are three labs in the UK selected to carry out the test: Biobest; Carmichael Torrance; and Nationwide Laboratories. Look out for a flyer in the post so you can have your first test free, and all positive test results recorded up to September 30 will receive a “buy one get one free” promotion for Ypozane (osaterone acetate), the first-line treatment for BPH.

Look out for information being mailed to all practices, contact your local Virbac territory manager, or call Virbac on 01359 243243.